What will be the final outcome in group D? Ahead of the third and final matchday on Thursday night into Friday, two things are certain: the United States, with two wins in two games, are already through to the round of 16 and guaranteed top spot. Their opponents tonight in Los Angeles, Turkey, are already eliminated. So this fixture may not be the most exciting of the World Cup, as it carries no sporting stakes for either side.

Attack or run down the clock?

But a high-scoring, dramatic match is far from guaranteed in the other group D game between Paraguay and Australia. This encounter, kicking off at the same time in Santa Clara near San Francisco, actually carries big stakes: second place. However, both teams are level on three points. Australia (the Socceroos) currently sit second, ahead of Paraguay on goal difference (0 against -2). If they share a draw, both would be almost certain to advance to the round of 16, because in this new 48-team format, four points should be enough to finish among the eight best third-place teams. Paraguay would then be virtually assured of progressing.

>> Follow Paraguay-Australia live

Will these two teams go all out for second place, or will they be content with a draw that suits both? Anything is possible, but World Cup history has seen third group matches where both sides simply passed the ball and ran down the clock. In any case, Australia and Paraguay will have a clearer picture after the final standings of the two groups that play before them (E and F). If the results go their way, you might not want to stay up until 4 a.m. to watch this one.